237. Protect Yourself Against Rape


No rape prevention strategy is foolproof. But you can avoid making yourself an easy victim by taking the following precautions.



In your home:

  1. •Change all the locks after moving into a new home or apartment.

  2. •Use deadbolt locks on your doors and secure your windows so that they can’t be opened more than 5 inches from the outside.

  3. •Keep the shades or drapes drawn after dark and turn on any outside lights. Install motion sensor lights. These turn on automatically as someone walks near your house.

  4. •Don’t open your door to anyone you don’t know.

  5. •Don’t list your first name in the phone book or on your mailbox.



Use these tactics when you’re away from home.

  1. •Carry a cell phone with you.

  2. •In an elevator, stand near the control buttons, and avoid riding an elevator alone with a stranger.

  3. •On the street, walk purposefully. Don’t stroll along aimlessly; stay alert to possible danger. Avoid walking along dark alleys, close to doorways, and past untrustworthy-looking people.

  4. •Carry a whistle or a stickpin.

  5. •When walking to your car, have your keys in your hand, get into your car quickly, and lock the doors immediately. (You can also use your keys as a weapon, if you have to defend yourself).

  6. •To avoid getting stranded, keep your car well maintained, and don’t let it get low on fuel.

  7. •If you have car trouble, stay in your car with the doors locked and the windows closed. Turn on your emergency flashers and wait for police or other help to arrive.

  8. •If someone approaches your car, crack the window and ask them to send help. Don’t let the person into your car.

  9. •Don’t hitchhike, and don’t pick up hitchhikers.

  10. •Don’t go out on single dates unless you know the person well.



If you suspect trouble, here’s what to do.

  1. •Don’t enter your house or car if you suspect someone has broken in. Call the police.

  2. •If you’re walking and suspect someone is following you, go into a public building and get help or call the police.

  3. •If you’re driving and suspect someone is following you, don’t go home.  Instead, drive to a police station or a friend’s house.

Chapter 9

  1. Women’s Health Problems